Guest Speakers: Kylee Donkers and Louise Greenwood.

The Koala Rescue Project has been developed by shelter owners and volunteers at Dutch Thunder Wildlife Shelter in Koonoomoo.

Over the last few year the shelter has seen an increase in the number of koalas suffering and dying of the highly contagious sarcoptic mange aka "scabies". So far the Shelter has had 85 cases from along 30km stretch of the Murray River.

At this stage the shelter has no effective treatment for scabies. The most common and humane outcome is euthanasia.

The primary aim of the Koala Rescue Project is to eradicate scabies and save the koalas.

When found the koalas are usually in he later stages of infestation with thickened and crusted skin. They are malnourished, dehydrated, weak and sometimes semi-conscious.

Project Objectives:

Raise awareness.

Inform the public.

Map and estimate of our local koala population.

Seek support, co-operation and financial assistance from government agencies

Develop a network of carers.

Form partnerships with veterinarians and researchers.

Build examination and treatment rooms

Saving one animal won't change the world, but it will change the world for one animal.